ION Clean Energy
ION Clean Energy licenses post-combustion carbon capture systems based on its proprietary ICE-31 liquid amine solvent, serving natural gas power generators and hard-to-abate industrial emitters through custom plant licensing and standardized ICE Blocks modular units.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersBoulder, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ION Clean Energy does
ION Clean Energy, Inc. is a privately held Boulder, Colorado-based technology company founded in 2008 that develops and licenses post-combustion carbon capture systems for natural gas power plants and industrial CO2 emitters. The company's core offering is the ICE-31 Capture System, built around a proprietary third-generation liquid amine solvent that has demonstrated over 99% CO2 capture efficiency in pilots at the National Carbon Capture Center and Technology Centre Mongstad, with reported specific energy of 3.0 GJ/tCO2 on natural gas flue gas at 95% capture, extremely low VOC emissions (~1 part per billion), and high solvent stability validated across 20,000+ pilot hours. ION delivers this technology through two primary commercial models: Custom CCS, which licenses the ICE-31 system along with feasibility studies, FEED support, engineering services, and long-term solvent supply agreements for large multi-million-tonne-per-year projects, and ICE Blocks, a standardized fully modular carbon capture unit available in 100/300/500 Series configurations for emission sources as small as 35,000 tonnes per year.
The company monetizes through technology licensing and royalties, recurring solvent supply and inventory management contracts, engineering services (feasibility, FEED, design review, commissioning), ICE Blocks hardware sales, and managed project development support that connects customers with EPC, OEM, and financing partners. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales combined with strategic channel partners — Koch Engineered Solutions (mass-transfer equipment and EPC), Modular Plant Solutions (ICE Blocks modularization), Williams (midstream deployment and corporate venture capital), and Sargent & Lundy, Siemens Energy, and Kiewitt for engineering and construction. ION serves natural gas combined cycle power generators, biomass power (BECCS) operators, and hard-to-abate industrial facilities including cement, petrochemical, steel, mining, and hydrogen production, with an emerging thesis around data center and AI-driven power demand.
ION Clean Energy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ION Clean Energy
- Legal name
- ION Clean Energy, Inc.
- Website
- https://ioncleanenergy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ION Clean Energy licenses post-combustion carbon capture systems based on its proprietary ICE-31 liquid amine solvent, serving natural gas power generators and hard-to-abate industrial emitters through custom plant licensing and standardized ICE Blocks modular units.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ION Clean Energy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Carbon Capture Technology
- NAICS
- Chemical Manufacturing (325), Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing (332410)
- SIC
- Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Post-combustion Capture Systems (Solvent-based Amine & Advanced Solvents) (EUABAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Solvent/Sorbent/Catalyst Materials & Capture Equipment Manufacturing (Absorbers, Strippers, Heat Exchangers) (EUAAALAJ), BECCS Project Development & Integration (Permitting, FEED, EPC Interface) (EUAAALAA)
Keywords
Where ION Clean Energy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulder
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
ION Clean Energy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Licensing of ICE-31 capture system including design and solvent technology for customers to develop, own and operate carbon capture facilities. Includes detailed engineering support and process design packages.
- Solvent Supply and Management: Long-term solvent supply agreements including initial fill, composition monitoring, optimization, and inventory management services to ensure sustained capture performance throughout plant operations.
- Engineering Services: Feasibility studies, FEED study support and management, detailed design review, and technical advisory services during project execution including commissioning support and long-term operational support.
- ICE Blocks Standard Units: Sale of standardized modular carbon capture units with fully wrapped equipment and engineering, including cost, schedule and performance guarantees. Single source contract for smaller emission sources.
- Project Development Support: Comprehensive decarbonization solutions including economic analysis, project financing support, and coordination with EPC and OEM partners for large custom projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom CCS Solutions - Large Emitters |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | ICE Blocks Standard Units |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
ION Clean Energy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ION Clean Energy commercializes its proprietary third-generation ICE-31 liquid amine solvent and capture system technology for post-combustion carbon capture from natural gas, biomass (BECCS), and industrial flue gas streams. The company delivers its technology through two main models: Custom CCS solutions for large emitters (multi-million tonne per year projects) that bundle technology licensing, FEED studies, engineering services and long-term solvent supply; and ICE Blocks, standardized fully-modular carbon capture units for smaller sources ranging from 35,000 to 275,000 MTPA. ION supports deployments as an enabler across project development, financing, EPC coordination, and ongoing operations.
Product overview
ION Clean Energy offers a portfolio of carbon capture solutions centered on its proprietary ICE-31® third-generation liquid amine technology. The core ICE-31 Capture System (over 99% efficiency, unprecedented solvent stability, low emissions) is available through two main delivery models: Custom CCS for large emitters (millions of tonnes/year via technology licensing, FEED studies, engineering services) and ICE Blocks™ for smaller modular deployments (35,000-275,000 MTPA via standardized, pre-engineered units). All offerings include long-term solvent supply and monitoring services. The company also provides comprehensive project enabler services connecting customers with EPC partners, financiers, and developers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ICE-31: Third-generation liquid amine carbon capture technology system with over 99% capture efficiency, unprecedented solvent stability, and extremely low emissions.
- ICE Blocks
Products and services
- ICE-31® Capture System Third-generation liquid amine carbon capture technology delivering over 99% CO2 capture efficiency with unprecedented solvent stability, extremely low emissions (~1 part per billion VOC), and low energy requirements. The core technology platform powering all ION offerings, designed for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC), biomass (BECCS), and industrial point-source CO2 capture.
- ICE Blocks™ Standard Capture Units Standardized, fully-modular carbon capture units utilizing the ICE-31 capture system, available in 100, 300, and 500 Series with L and M configurations. Capacities range from 45,000 MTPA (L100) to 275,000 MTPA CO2 for emission sources as small as 35,000 tonnes per year. Units include carbon capture island modules, flue gas ducting, CO2 compression and dehydration, water cooling system, and solvent tanks, and can be shipped by truck, rail, or containerized cargo ship with approximately 18-month deployment timelines.
- Custom CCS (Custom Carbon Capture Systems) Full suite of technology and engineering services for large, custom-designed plants with capacities in the millions of tonnes per year of carbon dioxide. Includes feasibility studies, FEED study support and management, technology licensing of ICE-31, long-term solvent supply agreements, and ongoing technical advisory and commissioning support. Sold through direct enterprise sales to power generators and industrial emitters.
- Comprehensive Solutions (Project Enabler Services) Enabler services connecting emitters with EPC, OEM, developer, and financier partners to arrange all components required for decarbonization projects. Includes economic analysis, project financing support, and coordination across the full project development lifecycle to help emitters and electricity/carbon credit end-users find optimal solutions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 99% CO2 capture efficiency demonstrated at TCM Norway and other pilot facilities
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use ION Clean Energy
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ION Clean Energy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
ION Clean Energy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Modular Plant SolutionscoreMPS serves as modularization partner for ICE Blocks offering, leading engineering and design of standardized units. MPS brings patented modularization system approach for volume production. Units can be shipped by truck, rail, or containerized cargo ship. Russell Hillenburg, President & CEO of MPS, quoted on partnership.
- Calpine CorporationcoreCalpine and ION announced first-of-its-kind carbon capture pilot project at Los Medanos Energy Center. The $25 million pilot (DOE-funded) tests ION's technology on a 678-megawatt NGCC plant, capturing up to 95% of emissions. Calpine selected ION as technology provider for Sutter Decarbonization Project (1.75 MMTPA capacity).
- Koch Engineered SolutionscoreStrategic partnership combining ION's ICE-31 capture technology with Koch Engineered Solutions' mass transfer equipment, EPC capabilities, and onsite vessel fabrication. KES includes Koch-Glitsch (mass transfer equipment), Optimized Process Designs (EPC), and Koch Specialty Plant Services (field fabrication). Expanded in October 2024 to include proprietary equipment specifically designed for ION's process.
- Sargent & LundyminorEngineering and design partner mentioned in partnerships section of website. Sargent & Lundy is a leading engineering firm serving the power industry.
- Siemens EnergyminorEngineering and equipment partner mentioned in partnerships section of website.
- KiewittminorConstruction partner mentioned in partnerships section of website for carbon capture plant execution.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
ION Clean Energy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Carbon Clean: UK-based developer of proprietary amine-based post-combustion carbon capture technology (CycloneCC) for industrial emitters and power generation. Directly competes with ION's ICE-31 in serving hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and refining with modular and custom CCS solutions.
- Aker Carbon Capture: Norwegian company offering amine-based post-combustion carbon capture (Just Catch, Big Catch) for cement, waste-to-energy, and gas power applications. Closest direct competitor to ION in solvent-based post-combustion capture with comparable modular/containerized product offering.
- Shell CANSOLV: Shell's CCS technology arm offering amine-based post-combustion capture systems and gas treating solutions for industrial emitters. Competes with ION in delivering solvent-based capture at scale, with broader parent company backing and longer commercial track record.
Broad incumbents
- Honeywell UOP: Major process technology licensor with established amine-based gas treating (Selexol, Benfield, Amine Guard) and carbon capture offerings across refining, petrochemicals, and power. Represents a scaled incumbent competitor with extensive EPC relationships that compete with ION for large custom CCS projects.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: Japanese industrial conglomerate with the KM-CDR post-combustion CO2 capture technology (originally Kansai/MHI) widely deployed in commercial CCS projects globally. Competes with ION in supplying amine-based capture systems to power and industrial customers, particularly in Asia-Pacific.
- Babcock & Wilcox: Established power and industrial equipment OEM that has expanded into carbon capture including solvent-based post-combustion offerings and B&W-owned BrightLoop small-scale capture technology. Competes with ION across both large custom CCS projects and the smaller-emitter modular segment.
- Linde: Global industrial gases major with a growing CO2 capture business and CO2 purification/separation technologies used in CCUS value chains. Adjacent incumbent that competes in CO2 handling and serves the broader CCS market with overlapping engineering and gas processing capabilities.
Regional players
- JGC Holdings: Japanese EPC with proprietary post-combustion amine-based CO2 capture technology (HIFACE/SCC) deployed in Japanese and Middle Eastern CCS projects. Comparable technology competitor serving power and industrial customers with deep EPC integration, primarily outside ION's North American focus.
Emerging players
- Climeworks: Swiss direct air capture (DAC) company using a different technology pathway (sorbent-based) but operating in the same carbon management/CCUS ecosystem. Adjacent competitor for carbon credit offtake customers and corporate decarbonization budgets, with comparable Series-stage maturity.
Others
- Worley: Global EPC and energy project services firm with a dedicated Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage business serving power, industrial, and hydrogen projects. Functions both as a potential channel partner and adjacent competitor for integrated CCS project delivery where ION could be the technology provider.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ION Clean Energy social profiles
Digital presenceION Clean Energy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ION Clean Energy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
ION Clean Energy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ION Clean Energy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ION Clean Energy
What does ION Clean Energy do?
ION Clean Energy commercializes its proprietary third-generation ICE-31 liquid amine solvent and capture system technology for post-combustion carbon capture from natural gas, biomass (BECCS), and industrial flue gas streams. The company delivers its technology through two main models: Custom CCS solutions for large emitters (multi-million tonne per year projects) that bundle technology licensing, FEED studies, engineering services and long-term solvent supply; and ICE Blocks, standardized fully-modular carbon capture units for smaller sources ranging from 35,000 to 275,000 MTPA. ION supports deployments as an enabler across project development, financing, EPC coordination, and ongoing operations.
Is ION Clean Energy a public or private company?
ION Clean Energy is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was ION Clean Energy founded?
ION Clean Energy was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ION Clean Energy based?
ION Clean Energy is headquartered in Boulder, United States, in the North America region.
How does ION Clean Energy make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are solvent Supply and Management, engineering Services, ICE Blocks Standard Units and project Development Support.
Who are ION Clean Energy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Carbon Clean, Aker Carbon Capture and Shell CANSOLV. Broad incumbents are Honeywell UOP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Babcock & Wilcox and Linde. JGC Holdings is listed as a regional player. Climeworks is listed as an emerging player. Worley is listed as an others.
Does ION Clean Energy have an API?
No public API is recorded for ION Clean Energy.
What industry is ION Clean Energy in?
ION Clean Energy's product category is Carbon Capture Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAGAA, Post-combustion Capture Systems (Solvent-based Amine & Advanced Solvents), with a secondary code of EUAAALAJ, Solvent/Sorbent/Catalyst Materials & Capture Equipment Manufacturing (Absorbers, Strippers, Heat Exchangers). Its NAICS code is 325 and its SIC code is 3564.